Translation guide
The English word "anthropoid" can refer to human-like apes or, more broadly, anything resembling a human in form. This guide covers how to express these concepts in Japanese, focusing on biological terms and descriptive phrases.
anthropoid (ape)
anthropoid (human-like)
Referring to the primate group that includes monkeys, apes, and humans, or specifically the great apes.
The standard biological term for anthropoid apes, literally 'human-like apes'. Commonly used in scientific and educational contexts.
Anthropoid apes are the primates closest to humans.
A more technical term for simians or anthropoids, encompassing monkeys and apes. Used in zoological classification.
Anthropoids include guenons and chimpanzees.
Refers specifically to the superfamily Hominoidea (apes and humans). More precise than 類人猿 in some contexts.
The superfamily Hominoidea includes gibbons and orangutans.
Describing something that resembles a human in shape, such as a robot, figure, or creature.
A common phrase meaning 'human-like' or 'resembling a human'. Can be used for robots, dolls, or any object with humanoid features.
That robot has human-like hands.
Means 'humanoid' or 'human-shaped', often used for robots or fictional creatures. Literally 'human form'.
Means 'anthropomorphized', used when non-human things are given human characteristics, often in art or storytelling.
The English word 'anthropoid' is rarely used in everyday conversation. In Japanese, directly translating it as 類人猿 outside of biological contexts may sound odd. Use descriptive phrases like 人間のような for general human-like appearance.
人型ロボットが工場で働いている。
Humanoid robots are working in the factory.
Anthropomorphized animals appear in this anime.